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Restarting Zoloft

Posted , 7 users are following.

chase33120
chase33120

About a year ago, around this time, I decided to stop taking Zoloft 100mg, cold turkey (at the time, everything was going great and I thought I didn't need it). Fast forward to now, I have been experiencing some major anxiety (panic attacks) and depression. I called my doctor and she said I could start taking Zoloft 50mg. I'm only on day four, but it seems that I'm experiencing side effects that I never experienced the first time around (namely, heightened anxiety). Any advice, or general positivity, would be greatly appreciated!

0 likes, 36 replies

36 Replies

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  • Okapi
    Okapi chase33120

    Posted

    Hi Chase,

    I am relatively new to these experiences but am going through something very similar right now. I was on 50mg sertraline for approx 2 years. I didn't stop cold turkey but had a very poor and irregular tapering process. I.e I took 1 tablet when I was getting fuzzy head/concentration problems which seemed to clear it and then just another tablet each time they came back

    Went to restart on 50mg and it has really hit me hard. Very heightened anxiety. Shivers, chills, aches, felling disorientated and inability to think or process info.

    I barely had any side effects the first time taking it so I think it can definitely hit harder the second time round.

    Most people would suggest trying to stick with it for a few weeks and see how the effects are but get an appointment booked with your GP if you feel the side effects are too much.

    Wish you the best

    • chase33120
      chase33120 Okapi

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Okapi! I'm glad I'm not the only one, but I'm also sorry you're experiencing all that. You're describing exactly what I'm going through right now. What day are you on? Also, what are you planning to do? Stick with it or talk to GP?

    • Okapi
      Okapi chase33120

      Posted

      After the first day (last weekend) when i retook the 50mg and due to never having such side effects or even that level of anxiety before I actually ended up going to A+E and then took nothing for two days. Was scared of a similar reaction so reduced and took 17.5mg about 3 days ago and have been on 25mg for the last 2 days.

      I don't feel quite as bad but still very tough and have to decide if i can face going in to work tomorrow. 

      I have an appointment on wednesday so i am going to stick with the 25mg until then and have a discussion with GP.

      I feel the same...it's not nice to think of anyone else going through this but it does give some comfort to hear from other people in the same situation

       

    • chase33120
      chase33120 Okapi

      Posted

      I mean sorry to hear that! I thought about that last night when I couldn't sleep, but convinced myself it was the medication and perservered through the night.

      I think I'm going to stick with the 50mg for now. Doctor wanted me to increase to 100mg after a week on 50mg, but I don't think I can increase that quickly, considering 50mg was difficult.

      I've found that certain classes is a helpful distraction when I'm feeling down. I hope, if you should need, that you're allowed to take off work!

    • Okapi
      Okapi chase33120

      Posted

      As the first time taking sert had gone relatively smoothly I wasn't really aware of the possibility of such big side effects. Now having done a lot of researching and reading through various forums it has helped me to feel a bit calmer.

      I would agree with your idea. There seems to be quite a bit of anecdotal evidence around, that the second time you take it your body can be a bit more sensitive to the sert.

      Hopefully your appointment is not too long away so you can have another chat with the GP.

      There is always the possibility of some Diazepam to try and take the edge of the anxiety. It's certainly not something i want to be taking long term (and im not sure how effective it is right now) but i agreed with my gp to take it for a week.

      I think work would give me something else to think about instead of dwelling on my situation but also due to the brain fog/poor concentration I don't want to make mistakes or push my brain too much

    • chase33120
      chase33120 Okapi

      Posted

      I had to wait a while for an appointment (at university, but will be home soon for spring break), but I can talk to her over the phone. Today's turned into an alright day, so I'm feeling less anxious as is (even though my mind is trying to take over).

      I've only ever taken Zoloft, but it seems a lot of people have success with short term use of diazepam and alprazolam during this period.

      On my first go around, I used classwork and work to keep me preoccupied, and while I'm finding it harder this time around, I still think trying is better than dwelling (even though I spent the weekend dwelling for the most part).

    • Okapi
      Okapi chase33120

      Posted

      Glad you have had a better day today.

      Yes I agree, trying to keep as pre-occupied as possible can only be good. Sometimes it can be hard but even if its only 10-20 minutes of concentrating on something else, it is all helpful.

      Keep in touch with how you are getting on!

    • chase33120
      chase33120 Okapi

      Posted

      I wish better days for you as well! You're absolutely right, even if its for 10-20 minutes, it's better than nothing.

      You keep in touch as well; feels good when others are doing well too!

  • sarah25834
    sarah25834 chase33120

    Posted

    I've never experienced anxiety like this before. The last three weeks have been hell. I am only on day 1 of sertraline and have also had bad side effects. They are not pleasant but persevere coz they say 6-8 weeks before the benefits are felt. We can do this !!!! X

    • chase33120
      chase33120 sarah25834

      Posted

      Thank you for your encouraging words Sarah! I'm sorry your first day was so bad, and I hate to tell you it gets worse (the third and fourth days for me aren't too good), but if you take your own advice, things will work out!!

    • sarah25834
      sarah25834 chase33120

      Posted

      Unfortunately I am currently in hospital after a whole night of vomiting from the tablets. Sooo anxious at the moment. I really want to find something that will work for me . Maybe a lower dose to start with cz I'm so small x

    • chase33120
      chase33120 sarah25834

      Posted

      I'm sorry to hear that Sarah sad don't feel too discouraged: eventually you will find the right dosage of the right medication!

    • Okapi
      Okapi sarah25834

      Posted

      Hi Sarah. Is this your first time or have you been on it before? 2nd time round is causing my body and mind havoc. 50mg was too harsh and I have dropped down to 25g to try and adjust slowly.

      If its your first time, maybe you can find a medication more suited to you. Sorry to hear the problems you are having

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